SMT Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

AKA the January-Was-Awful-Treat-Yourself list.

HELLO FEBRUARY. Goodness, I am very glad to see January in the rearview mirror. After a challenging start to the year, I turned a corner over the weekend with a re-do of my birthday (which fell on the worst day of the fires here in Los Angeles). I almost scrapped any and all celebrations, but with Matt’s urging and planning we threw together a last-minute drinks — and had the best time. Balloons and bubbly, plus a very fun new bodysuit, made for a heck of a party. It was a reminder to seize these moments of joy when possible.

In that spirt, today I present my first-ever So Many Thoughts Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. But really, in times like these, you do not need to wait for an occasion or a date on the calendar to indulge in a bit of self care. A sprinkle of something fun or pretty or comforting is welcome any time.

Below, 10 ideas that I hope bring on a similar sentiment, including a spicy novel, a pretty pink lipstick and my new favorite necklace — xo!

So Many Thoughts 2025 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Like my holiday gift guide, everything you will find below is something I have already in hand or have ordered. 💗 Happy to answer any questions I can in the comments.

Please note: I use affiliate links, which means if you click on something below I may get a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting SMT!

Click to shop: Necklace / Bow / Lotion / Mug / Lipstick

1. Show-me-the-way necklace

Click to shop: Mignonne Gavigan

I was drawn to the style name — this is called the “seeker” — and the hint of color in the tiny stones. I also appreciate how it’s longer than my current necklaces, adding nicely to the stack.

2. Big, floppy bow

Click to shop: Jennifer Behr

I am loving the variety in bow shapes right now, everything from long and slender to more of a statement. The dreamy, dusty rose of this velvet piece is perfect for a V-day dinner date.

3. Mighty moisturizer

Click to shop: Sephora

Does anyone else obsessively collect lotion in the dry winter months? I just got this and it checks many boxes. The scent is not too sweet and not too strong, but the best part is it offers loads of moisture without leaving a greasy film.

4. The motivating mug

Click to shop: Rifle Paper Co.

I ordered this on-sale gem at the very start of the year, not knowing how much I would need it. (Note: The gold on the handle means you can’t microwave it — but that just gets me to drink my coffee faster. 🙃)

5. Perfect pink pout

Click to shop: Chanel

H/t to Becky Malinsky, who shared this lipstick on Insta Stories. It was a jolt of positivity in my doom scrolling; the idea of a fancy pink lipstick delighted me. It arrived last week and I can confirm, it’s lovely.

6. Evil eye earrings

Click to shop: Rebecca Dana

I reach for my hoops from this designer all the time, so for my birthday Matt asked if I wanted another pair of her earrings. I picked out this subtle evil eye style, which feels fitting (and needed) for 2025.

7. A spicy read

Click to shop: Bookshop.org

Author Miranda July popped up on my discovery page recently and I ordered this much-raved about book immediately. YOWSER. It *rocked* my middle-aged world. Highly recommend (Note: It’s R-rated.)

8. Clear-as-day readers

Click to shop: Warby Parker

About that middle-aged world…LOL. I have been amassing a collection of readers and cannot believe I hadn’t discovered these? They are well worth the price tag, by far the clearest lenses I’ve found.

9. The coziest blanket

Click to shop: ChappyWrap

Bringing this recommendation back because it’s the perfect winter-is-not-over cozy blanket. You all told me for years that these were the best — and you were right! Perfect level of softness, without too much bulk.

10. Skincare starter set

Click to shop: Versed

The cleansing balm (my FAVE, especially on days I wear more makeup) has been a gateway into this affordable skincare line. I love this starter set, with serum that layers nicely and a cooling eye cream.

Shopping for the kiddos? These are our fave paint markers and these paper pads were the biggest Christmas hit.